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Animal Behavior College

Animal Behavior College

Where Animal Lovers Pursue Animal Careers

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Home » Become a Dog Trainer » How to Become a Pet Trainer

How to Become a Pet Trainer

Would I Make a Good Pet Trainer?

So you love dogs and cats and are wondering how to become a pet trainer? There are a few things to consider. First, accept that you will be working with pets and their owners, so good people skills are a must. In a sense, you are training the owner as well as the animal in order to help them build a great relationship as a team.

A few of the many qualities that help make a successful pet trainer include:

  • Patience
  • Creativity
  • Strong problem solving skills
  • Good observation skills
  • Resilience
  • Ability to explain the training process clearly so owners can follow you
  • Flexibility
  • Diplomacy

If you become easily frustrated, lack self confidence, have trouble issuing clear instructions, or find it difficult to laugh at yourself, this might not be the career for you!

Is It Hard to Become a Pet Trainer?

As with any career choice, you must commit yourself to it, set a course of action, and follow through. Pet training involves a fairly broad base of knowledge, both scientific and theoretical. Of course, book knowledge can only get you so far; you will need to gain actual experience working with animals.

There are a couple of avenues to earning certification. Some pet societies and organizations offer certification with varying standards. For example, the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers requires you to get a minimum of 300 hours of dog training experience over the past three years plus pass a 180-question multiple-choice exam.

A faster option that gives you a more solid educational base is to enroll in a pet training program. ABC offers both online cat training and dog training certification with externships in your area, so you get actual training experience as part of the program. The dog training program takes approximately 12 months; the cat training course takes around 8 months.

What Do I Need to Learn?

Both ABC’s cat trainer and dog trainer programs include 11 stages. You will learn an overview of the animals, study training theories and fundamentals, identify health issues that might impact behavior, obedience and preventative strategies, as well as pet CPR and First Aid.

Finally, there is a business component that helps improve your chance of being hired once you complete your certification. Part of this stage includes business building skills such as marketing and social media management in case you would like to work independently. ABC also offers alumni benefits designed to help graduates, including access to their private job posting site and a listing on the school’s directory of certified trainers.

Are Pet Trainers in Demand?

Absolutely, and the need for qualified trainers grows yearly. The number of households that include pets is expected to continue growing as is the amount of money pet owners spend for their care. As part of this growth, more and more people are turning to pet trainers to help increase harmony in their homes. If helping animals is your life’s goal, pet training can be the perfect career choice. A well-trained, well-mannered animal is far more likely to be a happy animal than one which is not.

To get started on a great career, contact us today. Call us at 800-795-3294 and set up an interview with an admissions counselor!

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Apex Career School - A subsidiary of Animal Behavior College


Interested in a career outside of the animal industry?
Visit our subsidiary school!

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Rating A+ The BBB only accredits the business management of a school, not the quality of the curriculum, or training programs.

STATE LICENSURE AND APPROVAL
Animal Behavior College is a private vocational school approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (www.bppe.ca.gov) under the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 and Title 5. California Code of Regulations Division 7.5. Private Postsecondary Education. The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education approval means that this institution and its operation comply with the standards established under the law for occupational instruction by private postsecondary educational institutions. Institutional approval is subject to continual review and the institution must reapply for approval every five years.
DISCLAIMER
Please be advised that Animal Behavior College ("ABC") is the exclusive entity authorized to provide certifications and/or degrees from Animal Behavior College. Moreover, such certifications and/or degrees are only conferred by ABC following a student's completion of an ABC-administered program. No other entity or individual has authority to confer certifications and/or degrees on ABC's behalf. Any other entity or individual who attempts to do so is acting without express or implied authority from ABC.
GI BILL® TRADEMARK ATTRIBUTION
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
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